Ulster commitee calls for repealing most of state gun law

STONE RIDGE — A legislative committee unanimously passed a resolution calling for a repeal of most of the state's newly-enacted gun restrictions.

Four Republicans and two Democrats signed off on the legislation, bringing a crowd of roughly 250 to their feet with whistles, cheers and applause.

“I was happy to see that democracy works at a local level,” said Woodstock resident Terry Graham, who was at SUNY Ulster Tuesday for the meeting.

Hundreds of gun rights advocates filled the legislative chambers Jan. 22 to protest a resolution by two Ulster County Democrats – since pulled – calling for stronger federal gun control. The 42 speakers instead wanted a resolution condemning the gun control measures passed by the state.

The show of force worked.

The entire GOP caucus sponsored such a resolution this month. Its first stop was a monthly meeting of the law enforcement committee Tuesday.

“This (state) legislation effectively turns countless New York State law-abiding gun owners into criminals,” read one clause of the resolution.

The 4.5 page county resolution will next be taken up by the entire legislature Feb. 19, where Republican control of 12 of 23 legislative seats virtually guarantees its passage.

She emphasized that restricting ammunition magazines from ten to seven bullets will render nearly all semi-automatic weapons useless since gun manufacturers won't make lower capacity magazines solely for New Yorkers.

“This constitutes a seizure of legally-owned personal property with no clause for compensation,” Bernardo said.

The passage of the statewide gun restrictions got Rich Vizzini of Hurley involved politically for the first time in his life. He's helping organize a gun rights rally Feb. 28 in Albany.

The restrictions only harm law-abiding citizens engaged in self-protection, said Tim Sweet of Lake Katrine, since criminals won't abide by the law.

“My glock is set to handle 15 bullets, and I can already be outgunned,” Sweet said. “Our second amendment rights are being trampled on.”